Tsoureki | Greek Easter Bread

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The traditional Easter bread made and eaten on Greek Easter is called Tsoureki. It’s a beautifully intricate looking bread that is actually quite simple to make and create. When you think of this bread, and how it is made by Greeks all around the world, it really is a moving experience to create – you feel like you’re part of the tradition! You may have seen this braided bread with a bright red dyed hard-boiled egg sitting on top. A lot of people who aren’t Greek ask, “you put a hard boiled egg where, and why?” It’s true, it’s tradition, and it’s fabulous! Come along as we tell you more about it.

This sweet yeast bread is made with eggs, milk, butter, and flour, plus a few extra surprises for that burst of delicious flavor. The traditional Greek Easter bread also calls for Mahlab or Mahlepi, although we do not use it when we make our Easter bread. It is made from the seed kernel found within a cherry and is ground up into a powder. It is often used to spice up mediterranean/middle eastern dishes — which is why you will likely be able to find it at your local mediterranean market. A popular substitute for it, and one the we have incorporated into this recipe, is vanilla extract.

As for the traditional aspect to the bread, the three strand braid represents the holy trinity while the red dyed egg mentioned earlier represents the blood of Christ. Altogether, you get one religious and heart felt bread!

It is a sweet bread but not so sweet that it can’t be eaten throughout the day (and believe me, you will). This recipe makes two loaves and therefore you will have enough to share with all of your family, friends, and even co-workers. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as we do – καλή όρεξη!

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Hi! We’re Kenton & Jane. Lemon & Olives is a site dedicated to exploring Greek recipes and following the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. We also explore the culture and travel destinations of Greece. So whether you’re Greek, interesting in Greek food, or searching for a childhood recipe – let’s connect and explore together! Oh, we hope you are hungry.

Comments

Definitely trying this recipe. I’ve wanted to learn how to make it and every recipe in my Greek cookbooks all make 10 loaves or more. I just want 1 or 2. I won’t be bringing it for Easter though because someone from the other side of the family makes it and you can’t make someone else’s specialty haha!!! But, I do want to learn.

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Hi! Yiasou! Welcome!

Hi! We’re Kenton & Jane of Lemon & Olives. This blog is dedicated to exploring Greek food and culture, the Mediterranean lifestyle, and traveling Greece. We’ve collected many Greek recipes over the years from Greece and family members, and we’re still learning as we go! This blog is our way of documenting our journey…read more